Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Chipotle is still always packed?!

Last night about 8:30 I was at the Civic Plaza and decided to get some Chipotle. To my surprise, there was a huge line from the register all the way back around to the furthest door. It was the kind of line they had when they first opened.

Now I like Chipotle, but I don't think it's worth standing in a huge line for, especially when there's other good and quick fast food nearby, like Julia's Empanadas, Pollo Campero (I got a chicken bowl instead of Chipotle), all the spots at 14th and Irving, and more.

I don't get it. What am I missing? Was it free beer day or something? Or are people that die hard for el Chipotle?

I'd say that the other taco/mexican/chicken joints are really hit or miss. I hear tacqueria distrito federale is amazing but none of these other places have a clean, modern and comfortable interior like Chipotle.

I'm with you Andrew, I don't get the appeal of Chipotle. But it's owned by the good folks at McDonald's (along w/ PotBelly) - so they certainly know how to balance the salt, sugar and fat to keep you addicted to their food! The tacqueria federale is good - fish tacos are the best. Pollo Campero has great chicken, I get it to go and eat at home with some veggies.. yum! Haven't tried Senor Chicken yet, but it's on my list.

@Jon - I ate last week at Pollo Camprende last week; I guess one might like if a stale dinner roll and overcooked chicken is their thing. (When I mentioned seating I was referring to Jelia's; I see that I was not clear about that. As for location, Chipolte is right on 14th St., whereas the other two require people which is a minor disadvantage from a marketing perspective.) Yes, there are lines at Chipolte (as there are at many of them) but they go quickly as you watch them freshly prepare your order. Living a half block from Taqueria Distrito I agree that it is an excellent place to eat, but in a different category from chain restaurants.

At the risk of spilling my secret, let me remind of Chipolte's wonderful Iphone app to place an order. You even have the option charging your credit card. Upon arrival, just walk to the front of the line and your order will already be waiting for you! Once it wasn't ready for some reason, so they just stopped the entire line and made my order. Iphone rules on this one!

Yes, you can customize your order on the Iphone app. Add lettuce, etc. In fact, it is easier there than trying to talk to their staff where the noise level and English skills become an issue. You can even save your favorite order and reorder manyyyy times. Very cool!

Um, you guys are missing the point when comparing Chipotle to DF and the other places. They all offer slightly different experiences. When I want something quick and predictable, I go to Chipotle, and if I've got a little more time, I go to DF.

Obviously given how well all these places are doing, there is room for both kinds of restaurant. There's a pretty sizable Latino contingent to Chipotle's patronage -- I know white Columbia Heights hipsters are known for their finely honed sense of irony, so perhaps that explains the irony that they're the only ones worrying about whether or not the food's "authentic."